Founded in 1998, Nixon has just celebrated its 20th anniversary. The brand was launched by 2 snow and action sports enthusiasts and filled a lacking niche in watchmaking as seen by its founders. Their mission was to create a decent watch with a refined look at an affordable price.
These timepieces are intended for people who like hiking, diving, and cycling since most of them have sporty elements. The company’s assortment also includes models that can be worn on formal occasions.
Headquartered in California, Nixon sells products in more than 90 countries worldwide, providing a 2-year international warranty.
In this Nixon watches review, you’ll find the most popular models ever produced by the company. It took more than 48 hours to sort out numerous worthy items and describe the top 10 timepieces. Read on to know more about these picks.
Best Nixon Watches
| Review | Name | Type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Men's 51-30 Chrono (A083) View Details | Quartz | 51 mm steel body (round) 25 mm steel wristband Date and 3 chronograph eyes 990 ft waterproof Hardened mineral crystal face cover Unidirectional bezel Analog display with Arabic indexes |
 | Women's Medium Kensington (A1261) View Details | Quartz | 32 mm steel body (round) 12 mm leather wristband 165 ft waterproof Mineral crystal face cover Fixed bezel Analog display Gold-tone accents |
 | Men's Sentry Chrono (A386) View Details | Quartz | 42 mm steel body (round) 23-20 mm steel wristband Date and 3 chronograph eyes 330 ft waterproof Mineral crystal face cover Fixed bezel Analog display |
 | Men's 42-20 Chrono (A0371) View Details | Quartz | 42 mm steel body (round) 21 mm steel wristband 660 ft waterproof Mineral crystal face cover Unidirectional bezel Analog display Date and 3 chronograph eyes |
 | Men's Sentry Leather (A105) View Details | Quartz | 42 mm steel body (round) 23 mm leather wristband 330 ft waterproof Hardened mineral crystal face cover Fixed bezel Analog display Date/day function |
 | Women's Time Teller (A045) View Details | Quartz | 37 mm steel body (round) 19.5-18 mm steel wristband 330 ft waterproof Mineral crystal face cover Fixed bezel Analog display Gold-tone decoration |
Men’s 51-30 Chrono Waterproof Watch (A083)
The 51-30 Chrono is one of the most famous and best-selling models ever manufactured by Nixon. In 2017, it was designed for men who wanted to remain stylish even during their workout.
This quartz watch belongs to a popular oversized trend and goes big in every sense. It features a 51 mm steel case with a large crown and 2 pushers on the 9 o’clock side that allows a wearer to bend a wrist during active use.
There are big white numerals on the black dial, 3 textured chronograph eyes (24-hour and seconds), and the date complication.
With a 25 mm steel bracelet, the watch is made to last.
- A masculine and stylish design
- Comes in 12 executions
- Functional and multitasking for sports activities
- Waterproof to 990 ft
- Easy time checking
- The hands have a luminous fill
- Massive for small wrists
- Heavyweight
- It will be challenging for right-handed wearers to make adjustments
Women’s Medium Kensington Classic Watch (A1261)
Designed for women and girls in 2019, the Kensington model is strikingly elegant and petite. It is very pretty and can be used as a dress watch and for daily wear.
The gold-tone 32 mm steel case features a black dial with gold-tone hour indexes and 3 slim stiletto hands. The contrasting face is clean and easy to read. The watch is powered by a Japanese quartz movement with a lithium battery.
The 12 mm strap made of black leather has narrowed lugs.
- A contrasting and elegant design
- Waterproof to 165 ft
- Available in 3 fashionable color variations
- The size fits most wrists
- The price is great
- No date function
- The gold-tone paint may wear off if the watch is exposed to water too often
Men’s Sentry Chrono All Black Watch (A386)
The Sentry collection of watches includes classic and elegant models. As the name suggests, the Sentry Chrono timepieces are designed with a stop function operated via pushers on the edge of the case.
Released in 2017, this quartz model combines both an elevated style and technical functionality. Its 42 mm steel housing and a 23-20 mm tapered steel bracelet with micro adjust are covered with black PVD. The black dial features 3 sub-dials: a 24-hour chronograph and 2 chronographs for minutes and seconds. The date aperture appears at 4 o’clock.
- There are 7 watch variations
- Waterproof to 330 ft
- The bracelet links are very comfortable
- The mineral crystal is a good choice to stop scratches
- The date window is too small
- The abundance of hands makes it difficult to tell the time
Men’s 42-20 Chrono Silver Watch (A0371)
This is another awesome quartz model to discover from the Chrono collection. The watch integrates chronograph functions and features 3 sub-dials (24-hour, minutes, and seconds). Performed in stainless steel, the timepiece looks stunning with a robust 42 mm case and a corrugated unidirectional bezel.
The crown and 2 pushers on the left side of the bezel allow wearers to bend their wrists without discomfort. The opening that shows the current date appears at the 6:00 position.
The 3-link steel acetate bracelet is 21 mm wide.
- Manufactured in 9 color variations
- Waterproof to 660 ft
- A sturdy steel construction
- The model can be used by women (available in rose and with rhinestones)
- It is not very comfortable for righties to use the pushers
- The dial glass is easy to scratch
Men’s Sentry Leather 42mm Watch (A105)
This top-selling timepiece should be added to your Nixon collection as well. The 2019 model is universal thanks to its minimalist design and affordable price.
The long silver hour indexes are the first thing that will catch your eye on a 42 mm blue dial. The 3 o’clock position features a duo of the date and day functions. The steel case goes well with a 23 mm brown leather band.
- Lightweight
- Available in 31 different dial/strap combinations
- The price is great
- Waterproof to 330 ft
- The polished blue dial looks very bright
- Some wearers complain that the strap is of poor quality
- The band loops are too mobile and don’t hold the band in place
Women’s Time Teller All Gold Watch (A045)
This 2011 timepiece from the Time Teller collection is an icon of the company’s heritage. It looks like an old model passed down from generation to generation but with some modern accents.
The watch is all gold-tone stainless steel. The 37 mm case features 3 hands, hour indexes, and a Nixon logo at 3:00 – all in gold.
The 19.5-18 mm jewelry-style bracelet with micro adjust is comfortable to wear thanks to 5 links. It can also be used with a leather or canvas strap.
The whole piece looks more expensive than it is.
- Suitable for men’s wear
- Comes in 22 executions
- Waterproof to 330 ft
- Performed in shining gold
- A fashionable design
- Due to the lack of contrast between the dial and hands, the hour indexes are difficult to distinguish
- Has no date window
| Review | Name | Type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Men's Ranger Chrono (A940SW) | Quartz | 44 mm steel body (round) 20 mm leather wristband Date and 2 chronograph eyes 330 ft waterproof Mineral crystal face cover Fixed bezel Analog display with Arabic indexes Star Wars decoration |
 | Men's Player XL (A352) | Automatic | 44 mm steel body (square) 22 mm steel wristband 330 ft waterproof Mineral crystal face cover with sapphire detailing Fixed bezel Analog display |
 | Men's Corporal SS (A346) | Quartz | 48 mm steel body (round) 24 mm steel wristband 330 ft waterproof Hardened mineral crystal face cover Fixed bezel Analog display Matte black design |
 | Women's Arrow Leather (A1091) | Quartz | 38 mm steel body (round) 17.5 mm leather wristband 165 ft waterproof Hardened mineral crystal face cover Fixed bezel Analog display Gold-tone accents |
Men’s Ranger Chrono Leather Star Wars Watch (A940SW)
This fantastic quartz watch is a dream of all Star Wars fans since it features a number of design elements from the famous movie.
The 44 mm watchcase has a black copper dial that includes 2 sub-dials. The left one positioned at 9 o’clock is a 60-minute chronograph with a Jedi Order symbol. The right 24-hour sub-dial is an a.m./p.m. indicator that goes along with a Light side vs. Dark Side design. There is one more indicator at 6:00 that tells the date. The only luminous detail is Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber.
The brown leather band with stitching is 20 mm wide. It has a worn look and matches the overall aesthetics of the watch well.
- The design is awesome
- Waterproof to 330 ft
- The caseback features a famous Jedi quote “Trust Your Instincts”
- The soft band is very comfortable
- Perfect for casual wear
- An affordable price
- Not quite comfortable to read the time
- The sub-dials have no numerals and are also difficult to read
- The model is out of production (still new Star Wars collections are available)
Men’s Player XL Automatic Gunmetal Watch (A352)
This is a retro-inspired watch from Nixon with an automatic mechanism. The model has a square face and features 44 mm in diameter. Made all of the stainless steel, it looks very sturdy. The Player XL looks rather massive, but it is not heavyweight.
The gunmetal dial is not overburdened with design elements. It includes only 3 black hands and a Nixon logo under 12 o’clock. The see-through back cover gives a fascinating view of the moving mechanism.
The triple-link bracelet is 22 mm wide.
- Waterproof to 330 ft
- There is sapphire detailing on the dial
- The watch is an upgrade of a legendary timepiece
- Suitable for daily wearing and formal occasions
- Not complicated with date/day functions
- It is hard to tell the time without indexes
Men’s Corporal SS Water Resistant Watch (A346)
The Corporal SS is a field watch that has been given an upgrade. Inspired by racing tachometers and troop transport, it looks both simple and elegant.
The 48 mm watch display of black stainless steel features large military-inspired Arabic numbers (only 3, 6, 9, and 12) performed in a gold tone, 3 hands, and a Nixon logo under 12 o’clock. It comes with an oversized bezel, which is raised to protect the dial window.
The 24 mm steel band includes 3 rows and is performed in matte black.
- Available in 16 variations
- The masculine high caliber construction is impossible not to notice
- The hardened mineral crystal is recessed for the utmost dial protection
- Waterproof to 330 ft
- The band replacement or adjustment is possible
- Pretty big for skinny wrists
- Has no day/date aperture
Women’s Arrow Leather Gold/White Watch (A1091)
This female model includes menswear-inspired details combining classic simplicity and a chic design. The watch can easily go between formal and fun. It is manufactured in multiple color variations so that customers are free in their choice.
The 38 mm steel case is gold-tone and pairs well with gold Arabic indexes and hands. The white dial has a brushed finish. The display is uncomplicated and easy to read.
The light brown leather strap is 17.5 mm wide. This color highlights the gold accents, making a combination of shades more natural.
- Released in 23 variations of dial and bracelet colors
- Reasonably priced
- Very lightweight
- Waterproof to 165 ft
- Also suitable for male wear
- Has no date aperture
FAQ
Where are these watches made? Who sells them? Where to buy them at the best price? These questions are typically asked by most potential customers. Find more information in the section below.
Where Are Nixon Watches ⌚ Made?
This is an American-based company that produces watches, travel bags, leather goods, and other premium accessories. The factory is located in Encinitas, Southern California. By 2005, the company released about 90 watch models and had 60 employees. It makes analog and digital models using the movements produced in Japan and Switzerland.
How to Change Battery ? in Nixon Watch?
During a warranty period, the battery replacement should be done in special service centers by an authorized Nixon technician. The warranty is considered void if users let the third party open a watch caseback. In this case, any warranty repair or claim will not be accepted.
The company offers a premium battery service. Just check the repair estimate in the Nixon online repair center on its official website.
How to Set Time ? on Nixon Watches?
If your watch is not complicated with the day/date function, set the correct time by pulling the crown out and rotating it forward or backward.
If your watch is equipped with the windows that show the current day and date, pull the crown out to the second position and rotate it. Move it forward to adjust the day, and move it backward to adjust the date. To correct the time, pull the crown out to its third position.
For more details, see the manual included in the box.
Where Can I Buy ? Nixon Watches?
Almost all watches are available for sale from the Nixon official website. Some discontinued models can be found on Amazon, eBay, and in such online stores like Tillys. These vendors may offer rare vintage timepieces that are no longer in stock at the manufacturer’s.
Conclusion
Nixon doesn’t produce high-end models, but all its timepieces are functional and reliable. You can count on Nixon for a long-term relationship.
Thanks to incredible customization, you can choose a watch to your preference. A lot of models that are suitable for sports activities will also add grace to your business attire.
Either way, choosing a digital or analog Nixon watch is always a good option. This young brand has now a prominent voice and wearing one of its timepieces is a statement of bold modern life.
References
- Nixon US | Watches, Backpacks and Premium Accessories – https://www.nixon.com/
- How Good Are Nixon Watches? – https://www.quora.com/
- Nixon (Company) – https://en.wikipedia.org/
